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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Marion County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Marion County, SC. Rates, due dates, exemptions, and how it affects your monthly payment.

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
64.1 mills ($64.10 per $1,000 assessed value), varies by municipal and special districts
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Marion County's property tax system serves as the primary funding mechanism for essential local services including public education, law enforcement, fire protection, road maintenance, and county government operations. Property owners in Marion County are subject to a millage rate of 64.1 mills for the 2025 tax year, which represents a 4.5% increase from the previous year. This rate translates to approximately $64.10 per $1,000 of assessed value.

It's important to note that your actual tax rate may vary depending on your specific location within Marion County due to special taxing districts such as school districts, fire districts, and municipal boundaries. Properties within incorporated areas like Marion City face additional municipal millage rates on top of the base county rate. South Carolina assesses real property at 4% of fair market value for owner-occupied residential properties, while other property types may have different assessment ratios.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (Mills)Description
County General40.2General county operations and services
School District18.5Marion County School District operations
Special Districts3.8Fire districts, drainage districts (varies by location)
Municipal (if applicable)6.1-12.4City taxes for incorporated areas only
Total Base Rate64.1Base county rate for FY 2025-2026

Note: Rates shown are for the 2025 levy year. Municipal rates vary significantly - Marion City residents pay an additional 6.1 mills. Special district rates depend on your exact property location and may include fire protection, drainage, or other local improvement districts.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Marion County, property taxes are due in two installments:

Pro tip: If you pay through mortgage escrow, your lender splits these payments across your monthly mortgage. If you pay directly, set calendar reminders to avoid late penalties.
Section 4

Supplemental Tax Bills

Supplemental taxes in Marion County are triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or significant improvements that increase a property's assessed value during the tax year. When these events occur after the January 1 assessment date but before the end of the fiscal year, the county assessor calculates a prorated tax based on the change in assessed value and the remaining months in the tax year.

For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in July, the county will assess the improvement at 4% of its value ($2,000 assessed value) and apply the current millage rate for the remaining months of that fiscal year. This supplemental bill would be approximately $128 ($2,000 × 64.1 mills × 6 months ÷ 12 months) and would be billed separately from your regular property tax bill.

Example Calculation

$300,000 Property Value

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (4%): $12,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$1,500 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $10,500
  • Annual Tax (64.1 mills): $673
  • Monthly Escrow: $56

$600,000 Property Value

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (4%): $24,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$1,500 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $22,500
  • Annual Tax (64.1 mills): $1,442
  • Monthly Escrow: $120

$1,000,000 Property Value

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (4%): $40,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$1,500 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $38,500
  • Annual Tax (64.1 mills): $2,469
  • Monthly Escrow: $206

Note: Tax credits shown require annual application and are not automatically applied. Calculations assume owner-occupied residential properties with standard homestead credit.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most Marion County property owners with mortgages have their property taxes collected through monthly escrow payments to their mortgage servicer. Your lender estimates your annual property tax liability and divides it by 12, adding this amount to your monthly mortgage payment. The servicer then pays your property taxes directly to Marion County on the April 30 and September 30 due dates.

Your mortgage company will provide an annual escrow analysis, typically reviewing your account each year to ensure adequate funds are being collected. If property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your monthly escrow payment may be adjusted accordingly. You can verify that payments have been made by checking with the Marion County Treasurer's Office or accessing your account online through the county's payment portal.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
  • See how rising taxes will change your monthly payment
  • Plan ahead instead of being surprised by "shortage" letters
Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Marion County for FY 2025-2026? A: Property taxes are due twice yearly - April 30 and September 30. Taxes become delinquent if not paid by these dates, and properties may face foreclosure after three years of non-payment.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: The primary tax credit is the Homestead Credit for owner-occupied properties, which can reduce your taxable assessed value. Additional credits may be available for seniors, disabled veterans, and disabled firefighters. All credits require annual application through the Marion County Assessor's Office before the application deadline.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit caps assessment increases on your primary residence and provides a credit against your tax bill. You must file an application with the county assessor's office and reapply annually. This credit limits how much your assessment can increase year-over-year, not your property's market value.

Q: When are properties reassessed? A: South Carolina conducts countywide reassessments approximately every five years. The most recent countywide reassessment affects current tax bills. You can appeal your assessment within 90 days of receiving your notice.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments are subject to penalties and interest charges. Contact the Marion County Treasurer's Office for specific penalty rates and payment arrangements if you're unable to pay by the due dates.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Marion County offers online payment options through their official website. You can pay by electronic check or credit card, though convenience fees may apply for credit card transactions.

Q: Why is my tax bill different from my neighbor's? A: Tax bills vary based on assessed value, applicable tax credits, and special taxing districts. Properties in different fire districts, school attendance zones, or municipal boundaries may have different total millage rates.

**Q: How do I get a copy of my current tax bill?**A: Current and prior year tax bills are available through the Marion County Treasurer's Office online portal, by phone, or in person. You'll need your property identification number or address to access your account information.

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